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First let me start by saying this article is in no way meant to be offensive. I have to say this because nowadays everybody gets offended over anything. People ask me where I live and I joke saying in little Israel or Tel Aviv 2. Then they say “what” and I tell them I live near Playa Venao and they laugh if they know the area.
I met a lot of Israelis in my travels and they all know Playa Venao. Many have visited or know people who have gone. I met a guy working in a store in Copenhagen who had a cousin who lived in Playa Venao and he gave me a keychain to give him. I knew who he was since he did surf lessons in Playa Venao. Other Israelis even tell me they don’t want to go since there “are too many Israelis” and I find that hilarious.
Playa Venao Surf Lesson
Playa Venao Surf Lesson is offered daily. After booking, you will receive an email or a Whatsapp message to confirm dates. Our contact information is ur****@pa***************.com or +507-6633-0166. … Read More
Panama is on the map for kosher tourism since there is a big Jewish population. However the local Jewish population lives in Panama City and is quite conservative unlike most Israelis who live in Playa Venao.
Playa Venao was not developed until quite recently. There was only one big rancho that was a restaurant and they had some small dodgy cabins. The first Israelis started showing up around 2008. They saw the potential in an area that had nothing developed and started purchasing land. The rest is history since Playa Venao is one of the most expensive real estate areas in Panama.
Israeli Hotels in Playa Venao
El Sitio Hotel
The first Israeli hotel (after Villa Marina Lodge which is Panamanian) was El Sitio Hotel which opened in 2010. It has 14 suites which vary in sizes from 12 to 54 square meters sleeping two to four guests. There is also a Billabong apartment with two bedrooms that has 80 square meters and the Lighthouse which is the most unique lodging option.
This hotel in Playa Venao has a restaurant which is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The area is shared with the bar and lounge which is right on the beach. Music is electronic influenced by Ibiza and Burning Man. El Sitio Hotel is famous for hosting their multi day Sonica Venao rave festival. A small swimming pool and a children’s area is also available for guests.
La Choza Playa Venao
Located right behind El Sitio Hotel, La Choza Playa Venao is the hotel’s hostel option. Room options include private rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Beds can also be reserved in dormitories that have four to eight beds. There is a shared kitchen and terrace area with hammocks.
Selina Playa Venao
This was the first location of the world famous Selina hostel chain. Selina Playa Venao opened in 2014 and it is still a very popular place. Located on the beachfront, guests can lounge on the chairs, hammocks, play billiard or sit by the pool. The restaurant and bar is managed by the Maito group.
It is possible to take a surf lesson in Playa Venao from this location. Selina Playa Venao also offers yoga and pottery classes. There is a CoWorking space for guests. Rooms can be private with private or shared bathrooms. There are also female and mixed dormitories with four, six and eight beds.
Selina River Venao
Selina River Venao took over Tipi Hostel. It is located bordering a river behind Playa Venao Resort. This oasis is surrounded by trees. It has a beautiful pool area where you can enjoy nature. The restaurant in this hostel in Playa Venao is vegetarian. Guests can enjoy the daily wellness practice. There is also a CoWorking space for digital nomads.
Bungalows at Selina River Venao have a double or two single beds. There are also double and triple rooms, as well as a studio apartment and a family room. Backpackers can stay in the dormitory.
Playa Venao Resort
Playa Venao Resort is a high end lodging option right on the beach. This resort has an infinity edge pool with a slide right on the beach. There is also a spa, fitness center and restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rooms at this resort in Playa Venao are done in a Polynesian fashion with thatched roofs and terraces. They can sleep two to five guests in comfortable accommodations including several bedroom apartments.
Beach Break Hotel & Surf Camp Playa Venao
Beach Break Hotel & Surf Camp is right on the beach. It has different hotel room sizes including double and triple rooms, family rooms that can sleep four or five guests, apartments and a shared dorm room with six bunk beds. Pizza Gavilan is their restaurant with a diverse menu. This hotel in Playa Venao offers retreats and classes which include surf, yoga, pilates, kickboxing, group fitness and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Book Beach Break Hotel Playa Venao
Red Elefant Ecofarm
Red Elefant Ecofarm is located in Cañas, only 10 minutes from Playa Venao. Its owners Nurit and Yuval are a charming Israeli couple that moved to Panama years ago. Stay in their farm on transformed “diablo rojos” which are old American school buses that have been converted into rooms with bathrooms and a kitchen with living area. This eco farm has plenty of animals and produces vegetables. Breakfast is included in your stay. Owner is a chef who organizes private meals and cooking workshops at the farm.
Israeli Restaurants
Please note that many restaurants are cash only. Some take Yappy for payment. So it is best to ask prior to ordering. There is an ATM at the Be the Way Store in the Terpel Gas Station.
Coleos
Coleos is one of the most popular restaurants in Playa Venao. Open daily from noon to 10:30 p.m. It offers a blend of Mediterranean and Asian dishes. Vegetarians and vegans can eat in this restaurant since the menu offers plenty of suitable options. Some of the most popular options are the humus, kebab, falafel, pita, curry and pad Thai.
La Hummuseria
La Hummuseria offers traditional Middle Eastern food. It opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner.This restaurant has indoor and outdoor sitting. As its name suggests it has a list of hummus options which include mushrooms; meat; onions, garlic and tomato or tehina, lemon and other spices. Menu also includes options such as Turkish pizza, labne, stuffed grape leaves, soup and pastries.
Cantina
Chef Eric from Israel opened Cantina Restaurant. This restaurant in Playa Venao is only open for dinner from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily. It is a cozy place to enjoy food and drinks inside or outside on the terrace where smoking is allowed. Try their signature cocktail called “Jasmine”, besides some classics like Aperol Spritz, Mojito or Moscow Mule. Menu is Asian inspired with options that go from carpaccio, tartar, gyozas, pasta, skewers and mango salad.
Sol Venao
Opening from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., this restaurant in Playa Venao offers healthy options for breakfast and lunch. Have a coffee or a cold press drink while getting something to eat. This is a great option for vegans and celiacs since they have plenty of gluten free options. Some of the menu options include bagel sandwiches, toasts, pancakes, eggs, and bowls.
Shawarma Venao
Shawarma is a traditional Middle Eastern dish which consists of meat that is stacked into an inverted cone and roasted on a slow turning vertical spit. It can be made of lamb, chicken or meat. Shawarma is served in pita bread like a sandwich. This popular street food can be found on the main street. Opens from noon until sold out.
Chabad Venao
As its name suggests, Chabad Venao is a place to celebrate Shabbat. Learn how to cook food for Shabbat and share your dishes with others. There are chabad centers all over the world. These centers offer Torah classes, synagogue services, and assistance with Jewish education and practice. They welcome locals and visitors who can register to visit on their website. The towns of Boquete and Bocas del Toro also have their own chabad centers. Chabad Venao is located next to the Terpel Gas Station on the main street.
Motek Ice Cream
This Israeli ice cream shop is the sweetest place in Playa Venao. Vegan sorbet options include mango, pineapple and basil, passion fruit, piña colada, coconut and berries. All their fruit based ice creams use fresh fruits and are sweetened with agave. They also have dairy ice cream flavors. Cookies and desserts are handmade fresh every day. They have options with gluten and without, as well as crepes and waffles. Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to midnight daily.
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